Not all scooting is harmless. From impactions to infections, here’s how to tell when your dog’s anal glands need a vet’s attention.
It might not make for pleasant dinner party conversation, but anal gland issues are important for dog owners to know about – especially if your pooch starts dragging their bottom (also called scooting) along the ground. Sometimes this quirky (and slightly embarrassing) habit is no big deal, but sometimes it can be a sign of a serious problem. Here’s how to tell when your dog has an anal gland issue, and what to do about it.
What are the serious anal gland issues dogs experience?
First, we’ll explain what anal glands are (don’t worry, we’ll keep this brief). Two pea-sized sacs located either side of your dog’s anus, the anal glands are responsible for emitting a fluid that’s particular to your dog. This scent is how dogs leave their mark to tell other dogs they were there – like a graffiti artist tagging walls in your neighbourhood. Usually the glands get emptied when your dog empties their bowels. But if that doesn’t happen, the resulting blockage (called an impaction) can escalate into anal sac disease. Small, obese dogs are most likely to develop anal sac disease.
Anal sac disease can progress through the following conditions:
Impaction
This is when the fluid in the anal glands becomes clogged into a mass, causing your dog moderate levels of pain. Although this isn’t a serious issue, without treatment to empty the anal sacs, it can lead to infection.
Abscess
If the anal gland fluid becomes infected, an abscess can form, blocking the sac opening. If your dog has an anal gland abscess you might see a red swollen spot or discolouration around the area. Treatment with antibiotics and surgery to lance the abscess is essential to prevent it from rupturing – which would cause extreme pain for your dog. Signs of an abscess rupture include green-yellow or bloody pus.
Cancer
Sometimes, tumours form in the anal glands, with the most common type being apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA). It can cause your dog to have problems pooping, and there may be ribbon-shaped stool, but often doesn’t cause pain. If your vet finds a mass in the anal glands, they may do a biopsy to diagnose or rule out AGASACA.
What are the signs of an anal gland issue?
Dragging their bottom on the ground is the main sign your dog may have an anal gland problem, and if it’s a serious issue there might also be:
- Behavioural changes, including irritability and aggression (especially when the tail or anus are touched), crying or whimpering
- Excessive licking or biting, usually around the start of the tail
- A fishy odour that lingers
- Reluctance to eat or drink
- Straining or pain while pooping or sitting
- Evidence of blood or discharge from the anus
- Swelling or redness in the anal area.
If you think your dog might have an anal gland issue, take them to your vet for treatment to make sure it doesn’t develop an anal gland infection that may lead to an abscess.
To diagnose anal sac disease, your vet will do a physical examination as well as an ultrasound, biopsy or bacterial culture.
How are anal gland issues treated?
Treatment for anal sac disease in dogs depends on how far it has progressed. Mild impaction can often be resolved with a simple expression by your vet or veterinary nurse — no sedation required. But if the glands are badly impacted or infected, your dog may need sedation for a deeper clean, and might be prescribed antibiotics, pain relief or steroid ointments. Even if you’re feeling brave, don’t try to express your dog’s anal glands yourself unless your vet has told you to (and explained how).
Your vet might suggest you put a warm compress on the affected area to help relieve pain at home.
Abscesses will need to be removed surgically. And if your dog is experiencing impacted anal glands on a regular basis, your vet may suggest surgically removing the glands entirely, which is known as an anal sacculectomy.
For an anal gland cancer, a treatment plan might include chemotherapy, radiation and removal of the anal gland, and testing to see whether the cancer has spread.
How can I prevent anal gland issues?
You can help prevent anal gland issues by keeping your dog’s anal glands healthy by:
- Feeding them a fibre-rich diet – Dog-friendly sources of fibre include broccoli, carrots, green beans, brussels sprouts and pureed pumpkin. Also consider adding fibre supplements to their food.
- Keeping them hydrated.
- Managing their weight – Overweight dogs are more likely to develop anal gland issues, so make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.
- Practising good hygiene – Clip fur short around the anus, and your vet might suggest keeping the area clean with a damp cloth or pet wipes (you can buy these from a pet store).
